Are you up to date with latest Clergy security advice?

In the light of the disturbing events this week including the murder of Father Jacques Hamel, we are aware that while we pray for him and his congregation, our clergy and congregations may have concerns over copycat or similar attacks.

The Terrorism unit of the Metropolitan Police have issued this statement:

“Church leaders and their congregations here in the UK should remain alert not alarmed. There is no current intelligence to suggest any attack planning of this nature in this country. However I know these are troubling times and it makes sense for all church leaders to review their security plans and to encourage their flock to be vigilant. Any suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately through 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.”

May Father Jacques rest in peace and rise in glory.

Places of worship: security funding scheme

In the wake of the events in France, the Government has announced that funding is available to places of worship to stop hate crimes.

The closing date for bids is 5pm on 20 September 2016. A second round of bids will open in spring 2017.

The Scheme covers security equipment and not for the cost of recruiting security personnel. Below are some examples of security equipment you can bid for, but this is not an exhaustive list: -

CCTV

perimeter fencing

access control gates

bollards

door locks

window locks

intruder alarm

external lighting

security doors

Funding would also include the appropriate labour cost to install the security equipment. However, there is no financial contribution towards:

any annual service charges

maintenance charges

one-off fees such as connection or monitoring charges

Places of worship need to contribute 20% of the total costs. Full details can be found on the government website.

The installation of any of the above will require either Minor Works permission from the Archdeacon or current Faculty process. Click here. In some cases, planning permission may also be required.